So, I'm going through my RPG collection the other day, and I notice old boxed sets like Barsaive for Earthdawn, Ruins of Zhentil Keep, and City of Greyhawk.   And I think, man, do I love boxed sets--when they're done right.  When right, you have all these cool bits and pieces in one set that can keep a group playing for a year for a relatively low price.  At their worst, they're overpriced entries into the hobby that appeal only to collectors and often don't have the "OOMPH" I remember boxed sets having--namely, looking inside, and being thrilled at all these maps, modules, player handouts, piece after piece building up into a rockin' game experience.

So what are your thoughts on boxed sets, especially the ones we've seen as of late?  Are they a great way to describe an epic project or huge area, or are they an excuse to overcharge the "collectors" of the hobby?  What do you like and dislike in your boxed sets?  What would you hold up as an example of a boxed set done right?  Wrong?

I thought the early boxed sets were good when they came with the funny dice.  You know, those weird dice you couldn't buy at the toy store, and didn't come with your other games?

I still think they're good -- but better when they include something aside from books and paper.  Dice, counters, tiles, miniatures, props -- these are all good reasons for a boxed set.

Man, do I love that Barsaive set.

Except for that weird cardboard sextant, I mean.  Did anyone ever figure out how to make that work?

-O

I voted for "leave 'em". Don't get me wrong, I like boxed sets, I really do. (Everway! Now's there's a beautifully presented box.) But I think the current state of the market simply can't support them - and specifically, can't support the cool bonus things which used to make boxed sets cool. (Say what you like about the second version of Dark Sun, but the cloth map made it all worth it).

When they become economically feasible again - either due to a revival of the gaming economy, or due to production costs dropping (or more likely, a combination of both) - I'll change my opinion, but for now I don't think they are viable.

I like maps that you can set on the table over ones where you have to break the spine of a book to see the whole thing.  Handouts can be fun too.  
 
But some boxed sets had lame stuff that didn't add much.  Now days, we also don't need a tablet of character sheets since most people have easy access to a printer.  
 
How well does it work to have a pocket/envelope inside the cover of a book for maps and stuff and possibly a CD of stuff to print?  How much expense would that add and how likely is the stuff to get damaged/lost between printing and purchase?  It might be a way to get most of the benefits of a box with much less added expense.

There's something about opening them up that turns me into a kid on Christmas.

Seanchai

Quote from: obrynMan, do I love that Barsaive set.

Except for that weird cardboard sextant, I mean.  Did anyone ever figure out how to make that work?

-O

Yeah, but we hated it.

You left an option off Zach-Indifferent. Some box sets are good, others lackluster, and others are just sort of there. I don't hate them, but I'm not all that excited about them either.

Yeah the paper sextant was lame.
But I have a box sewt of 1e CoC and it is one of my favorite things. Other boxed sets that I rememebr with fondness, although they're long gone from me now, are the Ringworld and Superworld sets.

Quote from: Serious PaulYou left an option off Zach

I usually do. :deflated:

I'm a lover of boxed sets, but I do realize that they're not cost effective to manufacture or market.

Still, I have great memories of the old Basic and Expert D&D boxes, the World of Greyhawk set, the RoleMaster box, and the Night Below campaign.  Maps, handouts, dice, modules, all collected neatly together.  I won a shrinkwrapped Everway set about a year back, and that's natty, too.

One thing I should add is that many of my boxed sets did not age well.  The box is often crumpled, dented, or has corners coming apart.  My books have fared better over time.

I love 'em. Like Seanchai, it's great to open them up and see what goodies lie within. I nearly creamed myself when i opened up the wilderlands boxed set. I'm also a sucker for maps, so that helps.

Quote from: One Horse TownI love 'em. Like Seanchai, it's great to open them up and see what goodies lie within. I nearly creamed myself when i opened up the wilderlands boxed set. I'm also a sucker for maps, so that helps.

Me too.

I also like the way information is organised in boxed sets. Instead of one hefty volume you can have seperate player and GM guides, handouts, big maps that dont rip as you try to prise them out of binding etc. If there's room you can store dice and adventures too.

Like Seanchai said it's the Christmas present effect. A well made boxed set is more than just aesthetically pleasing or nostalgia inducing, it's a functional utility that can easily outshine the hardback format.

I'll note that I really love fold-out maps for setting or city overviews.  However, it's pretty feasible to just stick a single fold-out in the back of a hardback book nowdays, so it'd be crazy to make a boxed set just for that.

I really don't like fold-out maps that are "DM-only" information - like gigantic dungeon maps ala Undermountain.  It's a usability concern for me; shuffling them is a pain in the ass while I'm DMing.  I love megadungeons as much as the next person, but I seriously can't stand dungeon maps that are bigger than an 8-1/2"x11" sheet.

-O

For me, its the whole opening-a-gift-to-see-whats-inside vibe that turns me on to boxed stuff.

That, and they (the boxes) can readily haul a few more things in them like pencils, paper, etc.